(Slightly hormonal, so please feel free to ignore me completely. )
Merry mistletoe greetings!
The shops are lively and full of christmas cheer, piped xmas pop has just been driving me insane as I've done the pressie dash, and I've been getting in the mood.
Unfortunately I'm a little baby obsessed at the moment, so whilst looking for gifts for my own folks and in-laws, I've also been dragging my better half into the kiddies shops too.
Over a cup of tea I've just realised that I've been feeling really guilty about my pre-conception purchases but lord knows why. My DH is absolutely fine with it and I've bored everyone I know with my feelings about wanting a little sockett of my own.
So I'm coming out of the closet to celebrate my spending and my feelings.
whilst at the same time, hoping to feel a little more normal, and finding out about everyone else's views and little purchases. Are you a closet nest featherer or do you celebrate your shopping successes. Do you feel like it would jinx things too much? Have you found an absolute must have, at a fantastic price? (if so, then details details!)
Whilst it might seem that buying things is only helping me to wallow in my own childless state, I have found that the buzz of and odd little purchase has taken the edge off my broodiness.
I'm aiming for children and If I don't have any then I'll naturally be devestated, but I know myself well enough to know that I'd be fairly pragmatic about purchases. My view is that what I buy are only things, and if I don't use them myself they can go to friends and family or on freecycle. Once I've spent the money, it's gone and I don't worry about it. Also, I'd rather pre-plan, and get the bargains now whilst I see them than have to buy the essentials all full price later on.
I do have some strict rules that I try to stick to:
It has to be something that will actually get used. (I'm using advice given here about this kind of thing, and would steer away from 'iffy' purchases such as moses baskets or bottle warmers)
It has to be a bargain. (If I can get it elsewhere when pregnant for the same or similar price then there's no point in it taking up space.)
Ideally it has to be quality.
It has to be non-gender specific.
No clothes/soft toys - I'm leaving them for the family.
It has to be within the 0-3 age range.
I'm sure by now you've got a picture of me with a house overflowing with baby stuff, but over the past five years (yes broody that long) I've aquired:
A couple of brown boxes of fantastic wooden toys, my old toyshop employer went into administration and sold all the stock at 50% off.
A good quality shape sorter found whilst rummaging in TK maxx.
A wooden train starter set in ikea,
About 8 children's books, all that I've picked up that made me laugh in the local discounted bookshop.
And today I picked up 'what to expect when you're expecting' and the mumsnet guide 'mums on pregnancy' 40% off in the borders administration sale.
Ok, rant over.
I'm feeling much better now.
Thanks to all.